The damp autumn mist clung to the stone arches of the fourth-floor corridor as Kale Ardentis walked back toward his laboratory.
The delivery of the Ignis-Salamander Hounds to Rando was complete, but the transaction's residue still felt fresh. He kept his hood pulled low, his green hair tucked beneath his Master robes.
The sharp clank of boots suddenly shattered the quiet hum of the tower. Around the corner stepped High Inquisitor Luke, flanked by two paladins.
The air grew instantly cold, the oppressive pressure of the holy element filling the narrow, dimly lit hallway with a physical, biting chill.
Luke stopped a few paces away, his colourless eyes locking onto Kale with a quiet, predatory focus.
The golden sunburst medallion on his chest hummed with a faint, searching resonance. "A late night for a new Master, Ardentis," Luke noted, his raspy voice carrying a sharp edge.
